TYRONE’S STORY
Tyrone was born and brought up on a council estate in Peckham. When he was ten he joined the local youth club – one of the few positive things there were to do in the area. But it was doing his DofE that really changed his life.
For the first time he was asked to take responsibility for others as a volunteer leader – for him, the scariest experience of his life. He is now a volunteer youth worker, and studying for a degree in IT & Business at the
University of
Greenwich.
Tyrone explains: “Now I feel confident in charge of a group and I also try to talk to the younger children to help them to make good decisions in their lives. Some of them even look up to me now. This means I have to be mature all the time, even when I’m not at the club, because if young people are going to follow my example it needs to be a good one.”
ALEX’S STORY
When he was 17, Alex* got involved in a fight, was arrested and sent to prison. “It all happened so quickly. It’s hard to explain – it wasn’t premeditated,” he insists.
While in prison Alex was approached to take part in the DofE. Alex now exudes an energy and positivity which he says is largely due to his taking part. Since leaving prison he has been supported by the Charity as well as his family.
“The greatest thing I’ve got from doing my DofE is confidence and recognition. It is one of the best things I could have done. It’s so good to hear encouragement from someone and it has an amazing impact on your confidence. I think I’m stronger now than I was. I feel more able to voice my opinions than I used to.
“I’d recommend doing your DofE to anybody. It helps you keep focused on keeping out of trouble, but it’s not a free ride. You have to work hard for every piece of encouragement and, ultimately, every Award.”
*Alex’s name has been changed to protect his identity.
A MUM’S STORY
“My daughter Tiffanie achieved her Bronze Award whilst at school and still recalls the excitement of learning new skills, being part of a team and being given real responsibilities. I love the core principles of the DofE, which yell out ‘access and achievement for all’. We all grow, develop and mature at different stages, and the DofE recognises this – allowing young people to achieve without competitive pressures.
“The skills learned are like a rehearsal for life – developing communicative skills, teamwork, commitment and meeting personal goals. The DofE system encourages and gives young people confidence to try something new. There is simply nothing to lose and everything to gain.”